Car loans: Use the 20/4/10 rule

Ideally, you wouldn’t borrow money to buy an asset that loses value, but you may not always be able to pay cash for a car. If you can’t, protect yourself from overspending by putting 20% down, limiting the loan to four years and capping your monthly payment at no more than 10% of your gross income.

Use credit cards strategically

You don’t deserve it

Use a rent vs home buying calculator

Put down 20% down payment on a mortgage

Practice smart behavioral money tricks

invest early and often

how can i be better with money?

money rules of thumb

budgeting rules

50/30/20 rule

paycheck allocation

what should i do with my salary

how much should you have in savings?

Simple Money and Wealth Building Rules & Links

I’ve read Trent Hamm’s The Simple Dollar ever since I knew what a blog was. I was particularly curious to check out his 14 Simple Money Rules. Especially as I frequently receive questions from readers about how to manage the overwhelming crush of debt and money mismanagement.

Trent Includes Some of the Money Rules Standards:

Spend less than you earn.

Don’t over-think your investments.

Stop trying to impress others.

Eliminate (And Avoid) High Interest Debt.

Plan Ahead Every Time You Spend

There’s not much to debate in these money rules. Yet there were a few others in the list that I disagree with, and I’ll tell you why.

First off, let me disclose that I’m quite a bit older than Trent and have hit most of our family’s financial goals. I’ve also had decades of investing, work, and entrepreneurship experience. I also dislike conflict (a lot) and am hesitant to put my critique online. That said, there’s room for disagreement and discussion in personal finance. Additionally, I’ve communicated with Trent and know him to be a stand up, generous, and genuine guy. I expect he is open to a friendly discussion.

With the above disclaimer………..

MONEY RULES

Money Rules You Should Not Necessarily Follow

Talk About Money (And Be Honest)– If excess spending is not a problem and if you and your partner share values, then you don’t have to talk much about money. Some folks don’t particularly like to talk about money, and that’s okay. If you and your family live within your means, don’t have a lot of debt, and are saving, then you don’t have to talk about money.

Watch Your Progress (But Make It Fun)-You are well advised to avoid looking at your investment accounts or net worth too frequently. Investments go up and down and its best to set up an asset allocation in line with your risk tolerance and then avoid checking it too often. If you check your assets too frequently, you may feel the urge to act. And frequent trading in investing leads to sub par results. On the other hand, keep an eye on your spending, to make sure you’re not over doing it!

Do it Yourself-I have a mixed response to this one. I believe anyone can set up their investing portfolio themselves with a small amount of study. But doing everything you are capable of yourself, leads to too much to do and too little time left. I suggest prioritizing. Do what you are best at and most highly compensated for, and outsource other activities. For some it might be hiring a housekeeper. For others it might be ordering groceries on line. You’ll get too bogged down with minutia if you try to do everything yourself.

New website alert, Rockstar Finance. J. Money of Budgets are Sexy birthed this awesome site which highlights best finance articles from across the web. Personal finance writers can even submit their articles for consideration.

Copyblogger writes about 4 Oldschool Ways to Thrive in Any Economy. If you’ve never read this blog, there’s something for everyone here. And keeping with the title of this article, Money Rules, who doesn’t want more ideas and inspiration?

Jim Wang of Bargaineering fame has a new blog, Microblogger. In this article he asks, Do You Conduct Competitive Research? This is a good read for any entrepreneur. It was especially interesting to me as I’m in the midst of a marketing research project for my own business.

PT Money of Fincon fame writes, Thoughts before the Obamacare Exchanges open on October 1. In my massive project of editing and writing Personal Finance; Encyclopedia of Modern Money Management (ABC-CLIO publishers) one of the topics is the new Affordable Care Act (dubbed Obamacare). I was excited to see a clear cut treatment of this complicated topic. If you live in the U.S. you need to be aware of this one!

Kevin, from Out of Your Rut writes A View From the Economic Cliff. Great commentary and thought provoking ideas about the current U.S. budget negotiations. Although he isn’t a big fan of economic prognostications, I think he did a credible job with the topic. What do you think?

How to Build Wealth with Money Strategies + Investing Books

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Disclaimer

I am a portfolio manager, former university finance instructor, and successful investor committed to sharing my personal finance expertise with you. I am not a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe the suggestions on this website as recommendations for your personal situation. For any individual financial advice please seek your own licensed and/or registered personal financial adviser or CPA. Per FTC guidelines, this website may be compensated by companies mentioned through advertising, affiliate programs or otherwise.